Simon Delighted With Fan Rapport

Manager Simon Grayson says that the relationship between the players, the staff and the fans is inspiring his team onto better things every week.

Speaking ahead of the shorter – than recent fixtures – trip to Rochdale this weekend, the gaffer said that the response to the atmosphere generated from the terraces was a big boost.

“It will be a great game; people are talking about 3,000 Preston fans going over there, which would give it a nice little edge,” he said.

“There is a really good rapport between the players, the staff and the fans at the moment, showing we are all in this together.

“We have always said to the players that we have to give them something to cheer about, but the supporters know that when they back us – like they do – the players can respond even more.

“It is just so positive at the moment. I have already talked about 800 supporters going to Orient on Tuesday night – some teams don’t even get that for a local derby – and it is testament to them and hopefully we can give them something to look back on that they can be proud of.”

The extra few per cent generated by the support of potentially a whole stand of North Enders will be needed against an in-form Rochdale side.

“It will be a tough challenge,” continued the PNE boss. “They are a really good team. We played them in the early part of the season and for large parts they gave us a really tough game.

“They have had some great results; they play with energy, pass the ball around and with the promotion last year Keith has a team with spirit amongst them that he will be very proud of.

“We go there in good spirits, but respectful and wary of what sort of a threat Rochdale will pose to us.”

The Spotland-based outfit have had a good start to life back in League One, but Simon has not been surprised by this: “If you look back on the divisions over the years there is always one team who is up there need the top end of a division the following year after a promotion.

“We saw it last year with Bradford early doors and ultimately Rotherham, who got promoted again, and this year all the three teams who got promoted have been successful, so it is a tough game for us, without a shadow of a doubt.

“They pass the ball around well and try and get into pockets that hurt you.

“We are aware of all their strengths, but they’ll know what we’re about and they will be trying to put an end to the run that we’re on at the moment,” he added.